Woman escapes kidnapper in Greenwood

SEATTLE - Police said a woman was able to escape after a man grabbed her off the street and tried to force her into his van in Greenwood.

The woman was walking home from the Fred Meyer on 85th Street at Third Northwest around 8 p.m. Sunday when a white van pulled up beside her and a Hispanic male passenger said hello.

The man then jumped out of the van and tried to force her inside. As he did this, he pulled a black ski mask over his face.

Police said the woman fought frantically and managed to free herself and call 911.

Neighbors said they were surprised to hear about the attack.

“It seems like a safe residential neighborhood to be in. You know, we walk to and from shops here, so it’s just kind of startling that something like that would happen in this area,” said neighbor Lori Erickson.

Police said the passenger got back into the van, which was driven by another Hispanic man, and then left the area.

Police said the white van had the letters XYF spray painted on it.

The woman suffered scrapes on her hands but is otherwise OK.

On Monday morning, a woman jogging around Green Lake was attacked by a man who tried to drag her into some bushes.

The woman was able to break free and call police. That man was not found.